Pair of Runaway Teens Possibly Traveling in Coachella Valley

PALM SPRINGS, CA - A pair of runaway teens missing since last week from Central California might be traveling through the Coachella Valley, according to police, who sought the public's help Wednesday in finding the couple.

Mauricio Ojeda, 17, and Daniela Esquivel, 16, both from Paso Robles in San Luis Obispo County, never showed up for school last Thursday, according to the Paso Robles Police Department.

The pair, who are dating, are believed to be traveling in a silver 2013 Ford Edge SUV with a California license plate of 7WLS262.

Mauricio is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 180 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Daniela is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 180 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She also is known to go by the nickname "Danny," police said.

They are believed to be traveling to either Riverside County or a friend's home in North Carolina.

Police say the teenagers have family contacts in the Coachella Valley and may be in the area ahead of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, which begins April 14.

Mauricio's mother received a call Thursday morning from Paso Robles High School indicating that he had not shown up, according to police. She later returned home to find the family's SUV missing.

Police say she called her son several times to no avail, then discovered Daniela was also missing after phoning the girl's mother.

Anyone who sees the teens or has information was asked to contact their local police department.

— By City News Service / Images via Paso Robles Police Department